Over the past four years, the demand from Russian employers for labor migrants has noticeably increased. According to analysts from DBS Group, by March 2026, the share of Russian companies willing to hire foreign citizens will exceed 40%. In 2022, this figure was around 5%. Experts link this trend to the acute shortage of labor […]
Over the past four years, the demand from Russian employers for labor migrants has noticeably increased.
According to analysts from DBS Group, by March 2026, the share of Russian companies willing to hire foreign citizens will exceed 40%. In 2022, this figure was around 5%.
Experts link this trend to the acute shortage of labor in the Russian job market. In their opinion, there is a lack of both highly qualified specialists and line personnel.
In Russian companies, even in positions that do not require professional training, there is a shortage of workers.
The most noticeable increase in the number of foreign workers is observed in the courier delivery and taxi segments, where employers are increasingly resorting to hiring labor migrants.
According to statistics, currently, couriers in Russia are offered a salary of 70,000–80,000 rubles per month, while taxi drivers earn 50,000–60,000 rubles per month.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, Vyacheslav Volodin, stated that to address the problem of labor shortages in the construction industry, it is primarily necessary to focus on increasing labor productivity and the prestige of working professions, as well as preparing local professional personnel. He believes it is incorrect to fill the labor shortage solely with labor migrants. According to him, the share of foreign workers in the construction sector in Russia is 13-15%. However, experts doubt these figures.
In the construction sector, the salary for unskilled workers starts at 60,000 rubles, while specialists and technicians earn over 80,000 rubles.
The growth in demand for foreign labor is occurring against the backdrop of tightening migration policies in Russia. In recent years, a number of laws have been adopted in the country that complicate the stay and employment of migrants.
In several regions, it is already prohibited to hire foreign citizens engaged in labor activities based on patents in certain areas, including education, healthcare, passenger transport (including taxis), wholesale and retail trade, sale of cars and motorcycles, courier activities, and several other sectors.